Fluid level measuring device for a beverage dispenser

ABSTRACT

A level sensing apparatus and method of use for use with a beverage server to indirectly sense the level of beverage retained in the server. The server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage with an opening in the body for receiving the level sensing apparatus and beverage there through. The level sensing apparatus includes at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in a housing to separate the probe assembly from contact with beverage. The housing containing the capacitive sensing probe assembly being disposable into the opening in the body of the server. The capacitive sensing probe indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server. A separate display assembly is provided and selectively couplable to the capacitive sensing probe assembly. A power source is provided and coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly to provide power to sense and display the level of beverage in the server.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/618,887, filed Oct. 14, 2004. The disclosure setforth in the referenced provisional application is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety, including all information as originallysubmitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to beverage servers or dispensers, particularlycoffee servers used in a commercial or food service environment.

Beverage dispensers, such as coffee servers, are well known in thecommercial food service industry. The servers of the prior art generallyinclude a refillable tank for holding coffee or other beverage, aheating element for keeping the beverage at a desired temperature, avalve or faucet located at the bottom of the tank for selectivelydispensing the coffee, and a sight glass or tube mounted on the exteriorof the tank and in fluid communication with the interior of the serverfor determining the level of coffee in the server.

The sight glass or tube used in the prior art, while simple inconstruction and operation, is not without some disadvantages. The sighttube is arranged so that it is in fluid communication with the beveragein the tank, and is generally placed vertically on the front of theserver extending upward from the faucet used to dispense the coffee.Because the sight glass extends from the faucet, the coffee drawn by theuser is a blend of coffee from the sight tube and the tank. Because thesight tube is located outside of the body of the server and hence thetank, the sight tube is not insulated. As a result, the coffee dispensedfrom the sight tube may be at a temperature lower than the rest of thetank, and hence lower than a coffee drinker might like. The sight tubecan also become stained from contact with the coffee, and further coatedby oils and other residue present in the coffee. This may lead toundesired tastes being imparted to the coffee or an undesirable cosmeticappearance on the sight gauge. The stains and residues can be cleaned,however this requires complete disassembly of the coffee urn and sighttube, which results in added expense and down time.

To avoid these and other problems, it is desirable to eliminate thesight tube, yet still retain the capability of readily displaying thelevel of coffee in the server to the user or food service personnelmonitoring the server. To address these problems, the invention hereindescribes a capacitance probe placed within the tank, whereby the levelof coffee is detected by the change in capacitance sensed by the probe.The electronic signal generated by the probe can then be used to drive adisplay, such as an analog level meter, or a digital display, therebyallowing food service personnel to monitor the level of coffee or otherbeverage in the server.

Additional features and embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to theattached drawings which are given as a non-limiting example only, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a beverage dispenser.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a capacitance probe.

FIG. 4 is a top sectional view of a capacitance probe.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of an alternate embodiment of abeverage dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the retaining ring of the alternateembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the probe assembly of thealternate embodiment showing placement of the electrodes.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional view showing placement of a circuitboard within a probe assembly fin.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the probe assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the top portion of the probe assemblyof the alternate embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a beverage server having theprobe assembly and display unit.

FIG. 12 is a prospective view of the display unit without the batterycompartment lid.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the LCD display.

FIG. 14 is a schematic showing staggered capacitive plate positions.

The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of thedisclosure that is not to be construed as limiting the scope of thedisclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present disclosure may be susceptible to embodiment indifferent forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will bedescribed in detail, embodiments with the understanding that the presentdescription is to be considered an exemplification of the principles ofthe disclosure and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the details of construction and the arrangements ofcomponents set forth in the following description and illustrated in thedrawings.

The Figures provide a variety of diagrammatic illustrations relating tothe present disclosure. All these illustrations are intended for usewith a heated water system and more particularly may be used with aheated water system which is used for producing a brewed beverage. Itshould be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to thesystem, but is intended to be broadly interpreted to include allapplications such as described in detail herein and which might bedeveloped based on the disclosure provided herein.

While the term “heated” may be used throughout this disclosure, the termis to be broadly interpreted to include all forms of water or dilutionliquid of any temperature, generally in which the water has been heated.The term heated includes the term “hot” such that one might consider thewater to be hot based on the numerical temperature. Generally, thetemperature of the water is below or at the relevant boiling temperature(212 degrees F. at sea level) above which the water will generallytransform to steam. The term heated is used to distinguish from the termunheated such that unheated water is generally introduced into thereservoir during the brewing cycle. In or near the reservoir the wateris heated resulting in heated water.

Terms including beverage, brewed, brewing, and brewed beverage as may beused herein are intended to be broadly defined as including, but notlimited to the brewing or making of tea, coffee and any other beveragesor food substances that will benefit from the present disclosure. Thisbroad interpretation is also intended to include, but be limited to, anyprocess of dispensing, infusing, steeping, reconstituting, diluting,dissolving, saturating or passing a liquid through or otherwise mixingor combining a beverage substance with a liquid such as water withoutlimitation to the temperature of such liquid unless specified. Thisbroad interpretation is also intended to include, but is not limited tobeverage substances such as ground coffee, tea, liquid beverageconcentrate, powdered beverage concentrate, flaked, granular,freeze-dried or other forms of materials including liquid, gel, crystalor other form of beverage or food materials to obtain a desired beverageor food product. This broad interpretation is intended to include,without limitation, at least funnel and filter-type, packet orpouch-type, pod-type or other prepackaged or unpackaged forms ofretaining and brewing a beverage or making of a food product. The termsheated water may be interpreted as hot water, and generally refers toadding energy to water to heat the water above ambient temperature.

With reference to FIG. 1, a coffee server 10 generally includes a tankor body 12 placed upon a base 13. Coffee servers 10 are well known inthe commercial food service industry and are generally of a well knownconstruction. The tank 12 is generally cylindrical and constructed ofstainless steel, although other material suitable for fluid containmentcan be used. As one skilled in the art will recognize. The tank 12 canbe of any shape, so long as it is capable of receiving and retaining orcontaining the beverage. In the preferred embodiment, the tank 12 has anopening 13 at the top, to allow for access into the interior. At or nearthe bottom of the tank 12 is an outlet port, to allow the coffee to flowout the tank 12 by gravity and be dispensed to the user. The flow of thecoffee from the tank 12 is controlled by a faucet 15, the faucet 15being in fluid communication of the outlet port 14. The faucet 15 neednot be connected directly to the outlet port 14, as there may be one ormore intermediate members, such as support 16 providing a conduit fromthe tank 12 to the faucet 15.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the coffee server 10 is equipped with a top17. The top 17 can be removable allowing for easy access to the interiorof the tank or body 12 or the top 17 may be affixed to the tank 12, orbe formed as part of the tank 12. Although the top 17 may be a solid,continuous, single piece covering the top opening of the tank, it ispreferable that the top 17 include a center aperture 18 to receiveadditional components.

In the preferred embodiment, the top 17 is attached to the tank 12 withfasteners. The examples of suitable fasteners are threaded fasteners orrivets. The top 17 includes a center aperture 18, allowing for accessinto the interior of the tank 12 when the top is in place on the tank12. The center aperture 18 may be of any convenient size. The top 17 isfitted with funnel assembly 19, occupying the center aperture 18 andproviding a funnel to pour coffee or other beverage into the tank 12.The funnel assembly 19 may simply rest upon the exterior of the top 17,or as in the preferred embodiment, may fit into the aperture like aplug, the funnel assembly 19 being secured in place by the frictionformed between the sides of the funnel assembly 19, and the sides of thecenter aperture 18. In other embodiments, the sides of the top 17 andfunnel assembly 19 may be fitted with corresponding threads, allowingthe lid to be screwed into securement with the top 17. In anotherembodiment, a bayonet style engagement may be utilized.

The funnel assembly 19 includes an open top to receive a beverage andsloping walls 21 leading to an aperture 33 allowing for access or fluidcommunication into the interior of the tank 12. The open top of thefunnel assembly 19 may be covered by a fill cap 20. The fill cap 20 maysimply cover the funnel assembly or it may be fitted as plug, extendinginto the open top of the funnel assembly 19. In other embodiments, thefill cap 20 may include threads, corresponding to threads fitted on thefunnel assembly 19, to allow the fill cap to be screwed on and secured.A bayonet style engagement may also be utilized.

Extending from the aperture 33 to the tank 12 is fill tube 22. The filltube 22 can be made from materials such as plastics, glass, or metal, orany other material typically used to transfer fluids. In the preferredembodiment, the lower part of the fill tube 22 is a plastic fill tube 23forming a watertight fit to the funnel assembly 19 and fill tube 22. Theplastic fill tube 23 is of sufficient length to extend from the funnelassembly 19 to near the bottom of the tank 12. The plastic fill tube 23is surrounded by additional structure to form a capacitance probe 30.Along opposite sides of the plastic fill tube are placed capacitiveplates 31A and 31B. Each capacitive plate 31A, 31B spans approximately10° to 60° of the cylinder formed by the plastic fill tube 23. Otherranges are possible, so long as the plates 31A and 31B are not inelectrical contact with one another or the beverage in the tank orcontainer 12. Other configurations or shapes for the capacitance probe30 are also possible. For instance, the plastic fill tube could berectangular in cross section. In such a construction, plates 31A and 31Boccupy opposite sides of the rectangle. Also, one may have multiplecapacitive plates instead of a pair of plates as generally shown in FIG.2. The capacitive plates 31A and 31B extend substantially the length ofthe plastic fill tube 23, although they need not extend the full lengthof the plastic fill tube 23. The length of the plates 31A and 31Bdetermine the range over which the fluid level can be monitored, sotheir length is a function of the ranges one desires to monitor.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plastic tube 35 covers theplates 31A and 31B, which is generally co-extensive with the plasticfill tube 23, although it need not be co-extensive. The function of theplastic tube 35 is to provide a barrier or generally prevent contactbetween the coffee or other beverage and the plates 31A and 31B. Thus,the plastic tube 35 need only be co-extensive with the plates 31A and31B, and any associated terminals or wiring on the probe assembly 30.One skilled in the art will recognize that in view of function of theplastic tube 35, other structures can be substituted. For instance,plastic could be overmolded or a silicone coating can be placed over theplates 31A and 31B to seal the plates from the coffee or other beverage.

In this regard, the apparatus and method disclosed prevents directsensing of the beverage. The sensing using the capacitive probe asdisclosed uses indirect sensing which does not physically contact thebeverage. Indirect sensing seals the probe and related components fromthe beverage to protect the beverage and the apparatus used to sense thelevel of the beverage. While resistive sensing is known in the art,resistive sensing may encounter problems. Resistive sensing requiresdirect sensing using physical contact between the sensor, such adiscrete conductive probe, and the beverage. Resistive sensing requiresthis physical contact or sensing relationship to directly sense theactual condition of the corresponding level of beverage. Resistivesensing can create a problem because it may be difficult to seal theconductive probe in a body and this problem is exacerbated when multipleprobes are used. If the probe is not sealed, the system may be adverselyaffected by moisture intrusion, and/or may harbor stale beverage.Further, direct sensing using a resistive or conductive system todirectly sense the actual condition of the beverage may result inaccumulation of particles from the beverage on the conductive probe incontact with the beverage resulting in increased maintenancerequirements.

The capacitive sensing arrangement in this disclosure eliminates theneed for direct sensing of the beverage. The capacitive plates areretained in a sealed housing without the need to directly contact thebeverage. The capacitive plates are protected from the possible adverseeffects of contact with the beverage. Further, concerns about sealingthe probe body are eliminated since there are no specific points ofcontact which need to be sealed such as with the resistive probes whichdirectly sense the beverage.

At each end of the capacitance probe assembly 30, there can be spacebetween the plastic tube 35 and the plastic fill tube 23. The space iscreated by the thickness of the plates 31A and 31B placed between thetubes 35 and 23. This space is sealed with a sealant 34 so as to preventthe communication of coffee or other beverage into the space. In analternative embodiment, the plastic fill tube 23 or the plastic tube 35are constructed with diameters that vary along their length, toaccommodate the plates 31A and 31B. By such design, the spaces betweenthe tubes at the ends are eliminated, the inside of the plastic tube 35being in water tight contact with the outside of the plastic fill tube23. In yet another embodiment, an adhesive is placed between the plastictube 35 and the plastic fill tube 23.

The plastic tube 35 may extend the entire length of the plastic filltube 22 but need only extend so long as to encase the plates 31A and31B. In an alternate embodiment, the capacitive plates are encased withan electrically insulating material, such as silicone, rather thancovered by a rigid plastic tube 35.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plates 31A and 31B are electricallyconnected to the display unit 50 by suitable electrical components. Inthe preferred embodiment, wires 32A and 32B are in contact with plates31A and 31B, respectively. The wires run to contacts 37A and 37B.Contacts 37A and 37B are located on the outside perimeter of funnelassembly 19, and are in opposed relationship with contacts 39A and 39B,located about the aperture of top 17.

When lid 19 is positioned on the top 17, the contacts 37A and 39A, aswell as 37B and 39B, are in contact so electric signals from electrodes31A and 31B can be transmitted from the capacitance probe assembly to alocation removed from the probe 30. This construction using contactsallows the funnel assembly 19, along with the capacitance probe 30, tobe removed from the coffee server 10 without the need to disconnect awiring harness. In other words, the funnel assembly 19 and probe 30 canbe removed from the server 10 separately from the display 50 which canremain attached to the server 10. Contacts 39A and 39B are electricallyconnected to display unit 50 by wires 40A and 40B.

In an alternate embodiment, the electric signal from the capacitanceprobe 30 can be transmitted to the display unit 50 using wirelesstechnology, such as are RF or infrared transmission. In such anembodiment, a transmitter is electrically connected to the capacitanceprobe and a receiver is located on the display. The receiver on thedisplay may be positioned at least one of the server and a remotelocation. The remote location could be located on or near the coffeeserver 10, such as attached to the base 13, or the support 16, oradditionally or separately the display 50 could be located remote fromthe coffee server 10. For instance, in a convention hall setting, thecoffee server 10 may be placed in a public area, such as a breakfastbar, where people serve themselves coffee. The receiver and display unit50 could be located in an area, such as a kitchen, where food servicepersonnel can monitor the display 50 or a series of displays, anddetermine when a corresponding coffee server may need to be replenishedwith coffee.

In an alternate embodiment, the display unit 50 is located on support16, and occupies the position on the support 16 occupied by the sighttube of the prior art. One skilled in the art will recognize that such amounting position allows the level sensing system described herein to beretrofitted to existing coffee servers. One skilled in the art equippedwith the teachings of this disclosure will also understand how toconstruct a display that approximates an appearance inspired by theshape and proportions of the prior art sight tube.

In another alternate embodiment, the funnel assembly is combined withsome of the electronics and the fill tube to form a level sensingassembly 100, as shown in FIGS. 5 through 12. The level sensing assembly100 includes an upper portion 110 and a lower portion 200. The levelsensing assembly 100 occupies the center aperture 18 of the top 17. Thelevel sensing assembly 100 may fit in the center aperture 18 byfriction, threads, bayonet mount, or other structures known to secure acover, lid, or other device in or about an aperture. In the alternateembodiment shown in the figures, the level sensing assembly 100 is matedto the top 17 by a retainer shown in the form of a retaining ring 102.The retaining ring 102 shown in detail in FIG. 6, is a circular memberincluding a flange 104 extending above the top surface of the top 17when the retaining ring 102 is secured in the center aperture 18. Theretaining ring 102 is secured in the center aperture 18 by opposingthreads 105 that engage opposing threads on the walls of the top 17forming the center aperture 18. One skilled in the art will recognizeother securement structures, such as friction fitting and bayonet mountscan be used to secure the retaining ring 102 to the top 17.

Retaining ring 102 includes two bayonet apertures 108 and 109 located onthe flange 104 of retaining ring 102. The bayonet apertures 108 and 109are shaped to accept and retain bayonet tabs 118 and 119 on the exteriorsurface of the upper portion 110 of the level sensing assembly 100. Thebayonet apertures 108 and 109 include a larger portion, such that,bayonet tabs 118 and 119 can be inserted in the larger portions, andonce the bayonet tabs 118 and 119 are within the apertures 108 and 109,the level sensing assembly 100 can be rotated such that bayonet tabs 118and 119 moved into the smaller portions 111 and 112, where the bayonettabs 118 and 119 are secured from upward movement and are retainedwithin the apertures 108 and 109.

The upper portion 110 of the level sensing assembly 100 includes a topportion 122, a funnel assembly 123, and an outer portion or housing 124.The funnel 123 is in fluid communication with a fill tube 130 extendingthrough the lower portion 200. Such a construction allows coffee to bepoured into the funnel 123 and exit the fill tube 130 at or near thebottom of the tank 12.

The lower portion 200 includes a plurality of hollow fins 201, 202, 203,and 204. The interior of hollow fins 201-204 are in fluid communicationwith the area or plenum 125 defined by the funnel 123, top 122, andouter portion 124 of the upper portion 110 of the level sensing assembly100. The hollow fins 201-204 are not in fluid communication with thefill tube 130. In the most preferred embodiment, hollow fins are 4 innumber, and arranged 90° from each other. One skilled in the art willrecognize other numbers of fins may work to accomplish the claimedinvention.

Opposing hollow fins 201 and 204 house capacitive plates or electrodes,which do not directly sense and do not physically contact the beverage,for taking capacitance measurements based on the principle noted above.Opposing fins 202 and 203 are present to increase the path between thepairs of capacitive plates and fins 201 and 204, and not be hollow,since they do not need to contain any components. In alternateembodiments, each fin may include electrodes. In one such embodiment,grounding probes, consistent with the schematic shown in FIG. 14, areplaced in fins 202 and 203.

In the embodiment previously described using only a pair of electrodesplaced about the fill tube (shown in FIGS. 1-3), the level of beverageis determined by monitoring the capacitance between the two plates 31Aand 31B. As the level of beverage changes as coffee is added or drawn bythe user, the capacitance changes as well, since the dielectric of thecoffee or other beverage is different than the dielectric of air. Thus,as coffee is removed from the tank 12, the amount of air indirectlysensed by the between the capacitive plates 31A and 31B increases as theamount of coffee decreases. However, with this two probe arrangement,the accuracy of the reading becomes critical, since the level ofbeverage is determined from the numerical value of the capacitancemeasurement. As oils and other contaminants build up on the probeassembly, the capacitance measured can changed when compared to a cleanprobe assembly. For instance, a capacitance reading which wouldcorrespond to a half filled beverage server with a clean probe assembly,may correspond to a quarter filled beverage server when a contaminatedprobe assembly is used. Thus, it is desirable to develop a probeassembly that is not directly dependent upon a particular capacitancevalue to determine the level of coffee remaining.

To overcome this need for accuracy, and to deal with the variations incapacitance due to factors other than the fluid level, a multi-plateapproach is used. In a multi-plate embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,a common plate or electrode 250 is placed within fin 201. Commonelectrode 250 runs substantially the entire length of fin 201, so as tobe coupled with the entire range of beverage to be measured. It ispreferable that electrode 250 is of sufficient length to cover the depthof coffee sought to be measured in the server, as the capacitancebetween the common electrode 250 and any of the other electrodes 260,261, 262, 263, 264, 265 and 266 is used to determine the level ofcoffee, indirectly and without physical contact with the beverage. Byusing a plurality of electrodes, the change in capacitance sensedbetween the common electrode 250 and any other electrode need only be athreshold value, signifying whether coffee is present at the secondelectrode or not.

In such an arrangement, the sensitivity of the capacitance measurementis not as critical, since the measurement need only determine if theelectrodes are at the level of coffee or not. Once the level of fluid isbelow the bottom of any particular electrode, the capacitance willchange sufficiently, when compared to an electrode coupled to thebeverage. Thus, by using a plurality of electrodes at discreet levels, adiscreet level gauge can be constructed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, seven depth electrodes or probes,260-266 are shown to monitor seven discreet levels within the server. Inthe preferred embodiment shown, electrode 260 is generally located atthe level of the bottom of the common electrode 250. When thecapacitance measured between common probe electrode 250 and electrode260 indicates coffee is no longer at the level of the electrodes 250 and260, the coffee server is empty, and a suitable symbol is generated onthe display 300 to indicate the server is empty. When the capacitancebetween electrodes 250 and 261 indicates coffee is no longer at thelevel of electrode of 261, but the capacitance between electrodes 250and 260 indicates coffee is still at the level of electrode 260, thedisplay will indicate the server is one-seventh full.

Similarly, if the capacitance between electrode 250 and electrode 262indicates the coffee is below the level of electrode 262, but still atthe level of electrode 261, the display 300 will indicate the urn istwo-sevenths full. Such a comparison can be used for the otherelectrodes in order to determine the level of the coffee. As one skilledin the art will recognize, the monitoring of the electrodes, as well asthe symbols generated can be carried out in many different ways.

The electrodes 250 or 260-266 are mounted on a sensor board. In the caseof the common electrodes 250, the sensor board 295 is placed in hollowfin 201. The sensor board 290 having the depth electrodes 260-266 isplaced in hollow fin 204. The sensor board 295 or 290 is generallyconstructed of a plastic or other non-conductive material. Theelectrodes are copper pads approximately 1 inch by 0.75 inches and areaffixed to the sensor board by adhesive. One skilled in the art willrecognize the electrodes may be of other dimensions and shapes, and maybe formed within the sensor board. The sensor boards either aregenerally standard PC boards. In the preferred embodiment, the multielectrode sensor board 295 is a multilayer sensor board. Thisconstruction allows for easier routing of electric pathways or traces,271-274 connecting the electrode 260-266 to other components. Electricpathway 275 and 276 are not shown in FIG. 7, as they are present betweenthe layers of the PC board 295. One skilled in the art will recognizeall of the pathways could be present within the layers of the sensorboard 295, or all could be on the surface, or any combination therebetween. Also mounted on the sensor board 290 or 295 is a foam block 296and a leaf spring 297. The foam block 296 and leaf spring 292 may beprovided to hold the electrode in contact with the fin and reduce oreliminate air pockets. The foam block 296 and leaf spring 292 alsoprevent or reduce the movement of the sensor board 290 or 295 within thehollow fins 201-204. One skilled in the art will recognize other springsor biasing mechanisms can be used to prevent movement of the sensorboard 290 or 295 within the fins 201-204.

The electrodes 250 and 260-266 are electrically connected to terminalson a sensor unit PC board 280. The sensor unit PC board or controller280 includes circuitry to power the electrodes 250, and 260-266, sensethe capacitance between the common electrode 250 and the electrodes260-266, a microprocessor to compare the capacitance values anddetermine the level of the beverage, and a communication circuit tocommunicate the level to a separate display assembly or display unit310. The sensor unit controller 280 is located within the plenum 125 ofthe probe assembly 100. The controller 280 may also be located in thedisplay 50.

The display unit 310 includes a housing 311, a display device in theform of an LCD display 300, a display circuit board 330, and a powersupply shown in the form of batteries 320 to provide power for theentire device, including the electronics on the sensor unit PC board280. The housing 311 has a battery compartment 312 accessed by aremovable battery compartment lid 313 (not shown in FIG. 12). Thebattery compartment door lid 313 is attached to the housing 311 byscrews 314, or other removable fasteners. The battery compartment asshown is sized to accept four AAA batteries 320. The batteries areretained in the display which is separate from and does not have anypassages in communication with the probe. The separation of the powersource is important to help achieve approval of the device by theNational Sanitation Foundation (“NSF”). NSF rules require that allbatteries be positioned out side of any food area to preventcontamination in the food areas.

The housing 311 has at least one surface for contacting the top 17. Inthe preferred embodiment, the housing 311 is shaped to contact both thetop surface and side surface of the top 17. The housing further includesan aperture 315 for receiving a fastener 314. When the housing 311 ismounted on the top 17, the aperture 315 aligns with an aperture 316 onthe lid top, allowing fastener 314 to attach the housing 311 to the lid.In the preferred embodiment, fastener 314 includes threads, the threadscorresponding to threads present about the sides of aperture 316,allowing fastener 314 to be secured in aperture 316.

The housing 311 further includes a flange 321. The flange 321 extendsfrom the housing 311 in a radial direction towards the aperture 18 inthe top 17. In the preferred embodiment, the flange 321 forms part ofthe surface of the housing 311 contacting the top surface of the lidtop. The flange is secured by the lock ring 102 when the lock ring 102is secured to the lid top, the lock ring flange 104 restraining thehousing flange 321 between the lock ring flange 104 and the top surfaceof the lid top 17.

The display circuit board 330 includes terminals to receive power fromthe batteries 320 via wires or other suitable electric pathways to thepositive and negative terminals of the batteries 320. In the preferredembodiment, the batteries 320 provide at least 2.7 volts and are fourAAA batteries. The display unit PC board 330 also includes terminalselectrically connected to the contacts 400 and 401 on the exterior ofthe display unit 310. Contacts 400 and 401 are in opposing contact withcontacts 500 and 501 on the exterior of the probe assembly 100 when thefunnel assembly 100 and the display unit 310 are installed on the top17. Contacts 500 and 501 are electrically connected to the sensor unitcontroller 280 and create an electrical connection between the PCboards. This connection further allows transmission of electrical powerto the sensor unit PC board 280 and its circuitry, and the electrodes.The connection also acts as a communications channel to allow thecircuitry on the sensor unit PC board 280 to communicate with thedisplay unit PC board 310.

The probe assembly 100 is constantly powered while it is in contact withthe display. Likewise, the display is constantly powered. There are noactuators or switches to turn the power on and off. Once the batteriesare installed in the display the unit is powered. To conserve energy,the display will power down to a “sleep mode” after a predeterminedperiod of time of sensing no change in beverage level. However, thesensor, once connected to the display will continue to sense the levelof beverage. the sensor assembly may reduce the frequency of sensing inresponse to extended non-use. Once a change in level is sensed, thedisplay and sensor assembly “wake up” and return to full service.

The LCD display 300 is positioned on the display unit housing 311 sothat the information displayed is visible to a user or attendant. TheLCD display 300 includes a bar graph 500 or other indicator, to show theamount of coffee left in the server 10. In the preferred embodiment, a 6segment bar graph is used. One skilled in the art will recognize thatthe number of bars used can vary, depending upon the container size anduser preference of the number of levels to be monitored. The display 300also includes four hourglass symbols 510, or other indicator, to displayinformation regarding how long since the server 10 was refilled. Eachhourglass symbol represents one hour. Each hourglass symbol is dividedinto four parts, thus allowing the symbols to represent quarter hourincrements. The display 300 also includes a symbol 520 for indicatingwhen the batteries need to be replaced. The battery symbol can also beused to indicate that a battery test is being performed.

In operation, the invention described herein preferably follows theoperation protocol outlined below.

Display Unit:

-   -   LCD—run by internal hardware—only seg's need be set—2 mux        (provision for more)    -   Unit runs a 1 second cycle—is usually in a low power mode (LPM3)        with power to Sensor—awakes & requests Com from Sensor by        dropping the power line to Sensor low (thru. 1M) (see Com below)    -   Buzzer—currently has internal freq. circuitry, needs to be        pulsed at 1 sec interval—switched when Display wakes up—does 3        pulses on the hour if coffee is over the set time—does 5 pulses        at set time    -   1 rotary octal switch-3 bits set coffee timer length 000=none,        001=1 hr, 010=2 hr, 011=3 hr or 100+=4 hours—buzzer buzzes at        time and following hours unless empty (up to some limit)    -   Display unit to detect when unit is refilled and start the timer    -   JTAG    -   Bootstrap header    -   Battery test—flashes battery symbol (part of top bar)—nominally        when battery is 3.3 volts    -   LCD—shows 4-6 LCD bars & outside line, top bar has an imbedded        battery symbol, there are 4 hour glasses broken into 4 quarters        indicating freshness of coffee from 0 to 4 hours    -   Watch dog to be used    -   Display unit powers down when not needed for 1 sec. and wakes up        from Basic Timer1    -   Uses a 32768 Hz xtal for timing, int. osc. for inst's nominally    -   Provision is made for 3 option jumpers testable at the same time        as the timer setting    -   Bootstrap is also attached to the power/com lines

Unit powers on at battery insertion using [possibly brown out 1.9 volts]separate 2.7v reset ckt, unit sets LCD up, checks for timer setting, andpowers the Sensor unit. At 2 second interval it queries the Sensor unitfor level then goes to sleep for another second. Keeps track of timefrom an empty to full level (or Sensor attachment that shows non-empty),sets ¼ hour hourglass segments in the LCD and beeps at the set timeunless set time is zero. Beeps every hour after that unless the level iszero. Buzzer is turned on/off at 1 sec. wakeups. LCD is set at wakeupafter new info. is obtained from the Sensor. An empty unit has nohourglasses on, & the hourglasses get reset only with an empty. The unitnever gets turned off. The LCD will show only the bar ring which willflash if there is no Sensor attached for some length of time then quit.An error signal from the Sensor that continues for 10 Coms will show allbars flashing—this is defeatable with a jumper.

Sensor Unit:

-   -   Comm to Display (see Com below)    -   Capacitive sensing—pos & neg    -   JTAG    -   Usually in low power mode—wakeup on time or interrupt—nominally        1 sec    -   Display starts a Com & the Sensor unit does a conversion after        sending current data—for power savings it may only do a        conversion after a request    -   After a conversion the unit goes to LPM3 mode (low power)    -   Watch dog to be used    -   Provision is made for up to 2 ‘jumper’ options—one possibly for        1 gal vs. 1.5 gal units    -   Bootstrap is also attached to the power/com lines—TBD on it's        function

The sensor unit is on when power is supplied from the Display which iscontinuous except for Com or lack of a Sensor unit. It stores power tocommunicate when the power line voltage is dropped briefly. After a Comsequence the Sensor micro reads the capacitance & calculates levels andthe next response. It then sleeps until interrupted & awakened for Com.It can be reset if the Display holds power low long enough.

Communication:

-   -   Display holds the Com line high thru. 1 k ohm R normally    -   Display starts Com by pulling the Com/power line low. It makes        the 1 k ohm high output an input (float), makes the 1M input a        low output signaling get data—low is an interrupt to the Sensor        (unit)    -   Display pulses low four times & during each low the Sensor pulls        the line high if data is a pos. data bit. Display pulls low with        1 k (˜40 uS) holds the low with a 1M & the Sensor pulls high        with 10 k (˜400 uS rise). Display then drops the line low with        10 k (˜40 uS) & Sensor drops it then pulls high if nec. (another        400 uS). After the sequence (˜1760 uS =<2 mS) the Display pulls        high with 1 k to supply full power to Sensor again. (0.0396 uA        ave. used)    -   Protocol—hex—4 bits can be sent during the cycle—0 is no Sensor        unit, 1 is empty, 2 is lowest bar, 3 is 2 1 gal bars, 4 is 3 1        gal bars, 5 is 4 1 gal bars, 6 is 2 1.5 gal bars, 7 is 3 1.5 gal        bars, 8 is 4 1.5 gal bars, 9 is 5 1.5 gal bars, 10 is 6 1.5 gal        bars, 11 is error, 12-15 TBD.    -   Com is started by Display by dropping the power—Sensor has an        interrupt that has it send data. (Sensor can't start Com.)    -   Com is done on the same 1 second (or other) basis as other        operations.

Additionally, the flow charts, shown in FIGS. 15-33, further describethe operation of the invention.

While embodiments have been illustrated and described in the drawingsand foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions areconsidered to be exemplary and not restrictive in character, it beingunderstood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown anddescribed and that all changes and modifications that come within thespirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The applicants haveprovided description and figures which are intended as illustrations ofembodiments of the disclosure, and are not intended to be construed ascontaining or implying limitation of the disclosure to thoseembodiments. There are a plurality of advantages of the presentdisclosure arising from various features set forth in the description.It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the disclosure may notinclude all of the features described yet still benefit from at leastsome of the advantages of such features. It is envisioned that thoseskilled in the art may devise various modifications and equivalentswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as recitedin the following combinations. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within theknown or customary practice within the art to which it pertains.

1. A level sensing apparatus for use with a beverage server having abody for receiving and retaining beverage, an opening in the body, thelevel sensing apparatus comprising: a housing having a wall defining atleast one chamber therein, the housing being disposable in the openingof the body of the sever; a funnel assembly associated with the housing,the funnel assembly configured to receive beverage there through fordispensing into the serving; at least one capacitive sensing probeassembly retained in the housing for indirectly sensing at least onelevel of beverage retained in the beverage server; a separate displayassembly selectively couplable to the at least one capacitive sensingprobe assembly; a power source coupled to the display assembly and tothe capacitive sensing probe assembly; and a retainer configured foroperatively coupling the housing and funnel assembly with the displayassembly to the server.
 2. The level sensing apparatus of claim 1,wherein the capacitive sensing probe assembly further comprising atleast a pair of spaced apart capacitive plates, an electric fielddefined between the plates for indirectly sensing a change in materialsin the electric field.
 3. The level sensing apparatus of claim 2,wherein at least one of the capacitive sensing probe assemblies furthercomprising multiple in spaced apart capacitive plates for sensingmultiple levels of beverage in the server.
 4. The level sensingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one capacitive sensing probeassemblies is configured for constantly sensing.
 5. The level sensingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one capacitive sensing probeassemblies is configured for constantly sensing and the display assemblyis configured to time out after a predetermined period of time.
 6. Thelevel sensing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the capacitive sensing probeassembly and display assembly are configured to start up when level ofbeverage in the server changes a predetermined quantity.
 7. The levelsensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power source is positionedcompletely external to the server body.
 8. The level sensing apparatusof claim 1, wherein the power source is positioned in the displayassembly.
 9. The level sensing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the powersource is positioned in the display assembly and the display assembly ispositioned completely external to the server body.
 10. The level sensingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the power source is provided in the formof replaceable batteries.
 11. The level sensing apparatus of claim 1,wherein the capacitive sensing probe assembly selectively couplable tothe server for indirectly sensing beverage dispensed into the server;the display assembly being selectively couplable to the server; awireless transmitter carried on the probe and a wireless receivercarried on server; the wireless transmitter producing a signal receivedby the wireless transmitter.
 12. The level sensing apparatus of claim 1,further comprising the at least one capacitive sensing probe assemblybeing selectively couplable to a server for indirectly sensing beveragedispensed into the server; at least one display assembly being at leastone of selectively couplable to the server and spaced from the server; awireless transmitter carried on the probe and a wireless receivercarried on server; the wireless transmitter producing a beverage levelsignal received by a corresponding one of the at least one wirelesstransmitter.
 13. The level sensing apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising the at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly beingselectively couplable to a server for indirectly sensing beveragedispensed into the server; multiple display assemblies being positionedspaced from the server, one of the display assemblies being selectivelycouplable to the server; a wireless transmitter carried on thecapacitive sensing probe assembly and a wireless receiver carried on acorresponding server; the wireless transmitter producing a signalreceived by a corresponding one of the at least one wirelesstransmitter.
 14. A method of indirectly sensing at least one level ofbeverage in a beverage server using a capacitive sensing probe assemblyto indirectly sense the level of beverage, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a capacitive sensing probe assembly; providing ahousing for separating the probe assembly from contact with beverage;disposing the probe assembly in proximity to beverage retained in aserver; providing power to the probe assembly; and indirectly sensingthe presence or absence of beverage in relation to the probe.
 15. Themethod of indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage in abeverage server as in claim 14, further comprising the steps of:providing a display assembly having a display device for displaying arepresentation of the level of beverage in the server.
 16. The method ofindirectly sensing at least one level of beverage in a beverage serveras in claim 15, further comprising the steps of: terminating power to atleast one of the display assembly and probe assembly to conserve energy.17. The method of indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage in abeverage server as in claim 15, further comprising the steps of:terminating power to the display device of the display assembly forconserving power; and maintaining power to the probe assembly forsensing a level of beverage in the server.
 18. The method of indirectlysensing at least one level of beverage in a beverage server as in claim15, further comprising the steps of: terminating power to the displaydevice of the display assembly for conserving power; maintaining powerto the probe assembly for sensing a level of beverage in the server; andproviding power to the display device when a change in beverage level issensed.
 19. The method of indirectly sensing at least one level ofbeverage in a beverage server as in claim 17, further comprising thesteps of: decreasing the frequency of sensing the level of beverage inthe server to further conserve energy.
 20. A level sensing apparatus foruse with a beverage server having a body for receiving and retainingbeverage, an opening in the body, the level sensing apparatuscomprising: at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in ahousing to provide a barrier against contact with beverage, the housingcontaining the capacitive sensing probe assembly being disposable intothe opening in the body of the server, the capacitive sensing probeindirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in thebeverage server; a separate display assembly selectively couplable tothe at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly; a power sourcecoupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probeassembly.
 21. The level sensing apparatus of claim 20, furthercomprising a retainer configured for operatively coupling the housingwith the display assembly to the server.
 22. The level sensing apparatusof claim 20, wherein the capacitive sensing probe assembly furthercomprising at least a pair of spaced apart capacitive plates, anelectric field defined between the plates for indirectly sensing achange in materials in the electric field.
 23. The level sensingapparatus of claim 22, wherein at least one of the capacitive sensingprobe assemblies further comprising multiple in spaced apart capacitiveplates for sensing multiple levels of beverage in the server.
 24. Thelevel sensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one capacitivesensing probe assemblies is configured for constantly sensing.
 25. Thelevel sensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one capacitivesensing probe assemblies is configured for constantly sensing and thedisplay assembly is configured to time out after a predetermined periodof time.
 26. The level sensing apparatus of claim 25, wherein thecapacitive sensing probe assembly and display assembly are configured tostart up when level of beverage in the server changes a predeterminedquantity.
 27. The level sensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the powersource is positioned completely external to the server body.
 28. Thelevel sensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the power source ispositioned in the display assembly.
 29. The level sensing apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the power source is positioned in the display assemblyand the display assembly is positioned completely external to the serverbody.
 30. The level sensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the powersource is provided in the form of replaceable batteries.
 31. The levelsensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the capacitive sensing probeassembly selectively couplable to the server for indirectly sensingbeverage dispensed into the server; the display assembly beingselectively couplable to the server; a wireless transmitter carried onthe probe and a wireless receiver carried on server; the wirelesstransmitter producing a signal received by the wireless transmitter. 32.The level sensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the at leastone capacitive sensing probe assembly being selectively couplable to aserver for indirectly sensing beverage dispensed into the server; atleast one display assembly being at least one of selectively couplableto the server and spaced from the server; a wireless transmitter carriedon the probe and a wireless receiver carried on server; the wirelesstransmitter producing a beverage level signal received by acorresponding one of the at least one wireless transmitter.
 33. Thelevel sensing apparatus of claim 20, further comprising the at least onecapacitive sensing probe assembly being selectively couplable to aserver for indirectly sensing beverage dispensed into the server;multiple display assemblies being positioned spaced from the server, oneof the display assemblies being selectively couplable to the server; awireless transmitter carried on the capacitive sensing probe assemblyand a wireless receiver carried on a corresponding server; the wirelesstransmitter producing a signal received by a corresponding one of the atleast one wireless transmitter.